Supreme Forest Tall Cedars of Lebanon

“Meetings of the Board as provided in this section may be conducted electronically, or attended electronically by some members, via an internet or other connection to a device that transmits and receives both an audio and visual signal. Such connection must provide the conditions and opportunity for simultaneous audio and visual communications so that all participating members can simultaneously hear and see each other. The Organization changed its name from The Supreme Forest, Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America to The Supreme Forest, Tall Cedars of Lebanon International.”

“The Supreme Forest, Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America is a masonic fraternal organization. As such, only approved members can join and participate in its activities.The officers and directors of the Supreme Forest are elected annually by the membership.Decisions of the Board of Directors are final and binding. Only changes to the bylaws require a vote of the membership.”

“Every member has one vote in the annual election of officers.”

“Disbursements from the Permanent Fund, the Organizations quasi-endowment fund, require approval of a majority of the membership. The site of the annual meeting is determined by a vote of the membership.Changes to the bylaws require approval of a majority of the membership at the annual meeting. Proposals for changes to the bylaws must be announced by January 1 of the year in which the vote is to take place. A simple majority afirmative vote is then needed for passage. Proposed changes to the bylaws are permitted to be introduced from the floor of the annual meeting but then a 2/3 affirmative vote is required for passage. All of the Organizations members are entitled to one vote.”

“Specific written guidelines and procedures for the operation of constituent forests (local affiliates) are contained in the bylaws.”

“A copy of the 990 is given to the officers after it has been prepared. The officers are asked to review it and contact the executive director with any questions or comments. The officers are given two to three weeks to review the 990. Once all questions or comments are resolved the 990 is then electronically filed.”

“The Administrative Committee reviews the compensation history and evaluates the performance of the paid staff. That committee then makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors, which makes the final decision on compensation. The administrative Committee reviews the compensation history and evaluates the performance of the paid staff. That committee then makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors, which makes the final decision on compensation.”

“The Supreme Scribe and the Supreme Treasurer are the only officers that are compensated. In 2021 the treasurer was paid $1000 and the Scribe was paid $2000. This is a nominal amount for all of the work that was done. This amount has not been exceeded in over 10 years although in some years it has been less than that amount.”

“The 990 is provided to anyone that submits a request to the Supreme Forest office in Harrisburg, PA.Since this is a private membership fraternal organization, no governing documents are made available to the public. Only members may view these documents.”